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Friday, February 13, 2009

Simultaneous by-election for Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau

The nomination day for the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat in Perak and the Bukit Selambau state seat in Kedah will be held simultaneously on March 29 (Sunday) and voting on April 7 (Tuesday).

The law required the by-elections to be held within 60 days of the seats being vacant, which falls on April 11. It is here where the meanings of democratic constitutionalism and democratic politics are being brought onto the practice.

Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof

Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the decision to hold simultaneous by-elections was to save costs and reduce different campaign periods, adding a lengthy campaign period could risk public order and safety.

He said the situation in Perak was still tense after a government switch and the time-frame for the Bukit Gantang by-election would allow all parties to "cool off". He was hopeful there would be a high voter turnout despite polling day being a Tuesday.

The question remains: Shouldn’t we attempt to question the professionalism of Election Commission by fixing the poll date simultaneously?